Sidedoor

Please be advised that new episodes will not be released during the government shutdown. For up-to-date information on the status of the Smithsonian, please visit our website at si.edu. 

Why are capuchin monkeys kidnapping howler monkey babies in Panama? We investigate this bizarre case of primate abduction with researchers working with the Smithsonian to get to the bottom of this bizarre behavior. We'll talk about their discoveries, the social dynamics between capuchins and howler monkeys, and the bizarre island conditions that might be driving this behavior. Is it boredom? Is it social learning? Or is something else entirely at play? Travel with us to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama to uncover this monkey mystery!Guests: Zoë Goldsborough, visiting researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and a behavioral ecologist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Brendan Barrett, visiting researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and an evolutionary behavioral ecologist and evolutionary anthropologist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior 

It’s the most recognizable TV theme in America. But Jeopardy’s “Think Music” wasn’t originally written for a game show… It was written for a toddler. In this episode, we trace the unlikely journey of the Jeopardy theme, from Merv Griffin’s living room to over 10,000 episodes across six decades. Along the way, we explore the show’s sonic evolution, including honking buzzers, 80s synths, and orchestral remixes. Featuring Lisa Broffman, Jeopardy’s Consulting Co-Executive Producer.This episode was written & produced by Casey Emmerling.Visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to see some of the Jeopardy objects we have in the collection. MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS EPISODEHarry Endivo - Don’t Bore Me Alberto!Medité - This Round's On MeFlickering - The SquadAndreas Dahlbäck - 808 or 909Trevor Kowalski - Watercolor Motion IGavin Luke - The Power of One Art by Michael Zhang.This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz is part of our summer playlist to keep you entertained while Sidedoor is on summer break. We’ll be back in the fall with brand new episodes of Sidedoor.

Ana María Bedoya's work takes her to some unlikely places: steep cliffs, river rapids, and tumbling waterfalls— all in search of vulnerable aquatic plants. Through lively stories and conversations with scientists, gardeners, artists, and experts, join the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) for deep dives into everything from food systems and horticulture to botanical breakthroughs in the lab and the field, and the many ways our daily lives are sustained by plants.This episode of Plant People is part of our summer playlist to keep you entertained while Sidedoor is on summer break. We’ll be back in the fall with brand new episodes of Sidedoor.

Discover the intriguing origins of the Pledge of Allegiance, first recited in 1892, as it evolved from a marketing tool into a symbol of national unity. Uncover the impact of the Civil War and anti-immigrant sentiments that shaped its relevance during the late 1800s. Explore how patriotic education in classrooms crafted national identity and how societal pressures morphed the pledge through pivotal historical moments like the Cold War. Dive into the complexities of patriotism, enriched by artifacts and thoughtful book recommendations.

When a black bear in Minnesota woke up from hibernation in the middle of winter and attacked three people and a dog, researchers were left with one question: Why?***This episode of the Points North podcast is part of our summer playlist to keep you entertained while Sidedoor is on summer break. We’ll be back in the fall with brand new episodes of Sidedoor. Credits: Producer: Ellie Katz Editor: Morgan Springer Additional Editing: Michael Livingston, Dan Wanschura Additional Production: Matthew Mikkelsen of Hayloft Audio Music: Blue Dot Sessions

Dive into the shocking world of turtle trafficking, where backyard collectors and smugglers put these ancient creatures at risk. Learn about the unbelievable stories of turtles hidden in pants and the struggles of those trying to rescue them post-seizure. Discover the vital role of herpetologists in combating wildlife crime and how community involvement can help protect these vulnerable species. With gripping tales of undercover operations, the urgent fight to save turtles from extinction unfolds, highlighting their ecological importance.

Turtles have been around for 200 million years—outliving dinosaurs, surviving ice ages, and basically minding their own business the whole time. Tough on the outside, chill on the inside, they seem built to last. So why are they suddenly disappearing? In part one of this two-part series, we hit the trail in search of one surprisingly elusive reptile: the eastern box turtle. These ancient creatures may seem slow, but their decline is happening fast. And the scariest part? We barely understand what it could mean.Guests:Thomas Akre, head of the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Maxwell Earle, outreach and engagement coordinator for the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Chris Polinski, lab manager for the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Dive into the unexpected world of leeches! From quirky home stories involving these slimy roommates to their surprising roles in medical practice, there's much to discover. The podcast unveils how leeches are reshaping art and ecology, challenging fears and illuminating their significance in wetland ecosystems. Witness artists redefine perceptions through performance and hear captivating tales from Smithsonian collections. Join a journey of transformation as fear turns into admiration for these misunderstood creatures!

The Gilded Age was a time of unparalleled wealth and prosperity in America — but it was also a time of staggering inequality, corruption, and unchecked power. Among its richest figures was Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate who built his fortune on the backs of low-paid workers, only to give it away — earning him the nickname the Godfather of American Philanthropy. He didn’t just fund libraries and universities — he championed a philosophy: that it was the duty of the ultra-wealthy to serve the public good.But, as it turns out, even philanthropy is a form of power. So, what exactly have wealthy philanthropists done with their power? We explore that question at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, inside Carnegie’s former mansion. There, a board game called Philanthropy invites players to reimagine the connection between money and power — not by amassing wealth, but by giving it away.Guests: Christina de León, Associate Curator of Latino Design at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Tommy Mishima, artist and co-creator (with Liam Lee) of the installation “Game Room” in Cooper Hewitt's triennial Making Home David Nasaw, author of the biography Andrew Carnegie